From: G
Date: 2/9/02
Time: 6:59:41 PM
Remote Name: 198.26.122.12
Eleven with ties to Hells Angels to go to trial for alleged beating and robbery
Sunday, Feb. 3, 2002 FRESNO, Calif. Eleven people with ties to the Fresno chapter of the Hells Angels will go to trial after a Kings County Superior Court judge ruled there was enough evidence against them for the alleged beating and robbery of two members of another motorcycle club. The judge also ruled that there is enough evidence that the Hells Angels is a street gang, which could mean life sentences for some if they are convicted.
The 11 people are accused of beating and robbing Paul Goonan and Andrew Randazzo last March, allegedly after they refused to disband the Exiles motorcycle club in nearby Hanford.
Authorities charge that the 11, who were Hells Angels and upset members of the Exiles, went to the Exiles clubhouse and attacked Goonan and Randazzo.
Three face 15 counts, including false imprisonment, robbery, burglary, assault and witness intimidation. Five others are charged with false imprisonment, robbery, assault and witness intimidation, and all eight face life in prison. Three others are charged with false imprisonment, robbery and burglary and face a maximum of 15 years in prison.
A 12th defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing in December, and a 13th pleaded guilty to a felony charge of false imprisonment, and could face up to three years in prison. Three others accepted plea bargains, including a Navy lieutenant commander who was sentenced to eight years in prison for one count of assault for the benefit of a criminal street gang.
The 11 people who are to go to trial will enter pleas on Feb. 19.
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